The platform on which he stood 2 years ago: "I have spoken to many clubs and the message I’m getting back is palpable about the lack of connection between the top of the union and the bottom," he said. "There’s lots of passion and emotion, and it's clear there are significant issues that need to be addressed. "We have our watershed moments in Wales but I think we are ripe and ready for change. "Covid-19 has given us an opportunity to reflect and re-energise "The clubs are a crucial element of the game in Wales and provide the players who eventually represent their country. "Without them, there would be no game in Wales. But a breakdown in trust between them and the WRU seems to be very apparent. "It’s important trust is restored. That’s why I am advocating a bottom-up, not top-down approach to improving rugby in Wales. "I’m fed up with hearing the WRU saying it’s their game when it belong to the clubs. The clubs are the union and are key stake-holders in its future. "So much of the WRU’s revenue comes from the clubs selling tickets for international matches and producing the players the public are prepared to pay to watch. "It should be one big circle but there has been a disconnect. It’s absolutely critical that circle is repaired. "There’s one reason why New Zealand has been so strong. Yes, it has an abundance of talent but every club there feels part of New Zealand rugby because there’s a connection right through to the All Blacks. We need the same in Wales.“ So my friends (amongst others) in Bryncoch RFC are going to have a say / dictate how the pro game is run in Wales …..
Warren Gatland will return to Wales before Christmas to replace incumbent head coach Wayne Pivac. Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) CEO Steve Phillips has confirmed Gatland will take charge of Wales for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations and at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, with the ability to go through the next World Cup cycle up to and including Australia 2027. Wales’ most successful and longest serving coach is back to take over from fellow New Zealander Pivac, who has agreed to part company with the WRU after the official 2022 Autumn Nations Series review was completed and approved by the WRU Board. “This is one of the toughest calls to make in sport, but the review process has reached its conclusion and we have acted quickly and efficiently in the very best interests of our national team,” said Phillips. “Ultimately we are in the results business and we have agreed with Wayne that the current trajectory for Wales is not where we want it to be and we thank him sincerely for his time, enthusiasm, diligence and effort, which is unquestioned, as head coach over the last three years.” Gatland leaves Super Rugby side the Chiefs to return, after formerly serving Wales over a 12-year period. He completed his first Six Nations clean sweep in his debut season with Cymru in 2008, before repeating the feat in 2012 and finishing on the same high to win the 2019 tournament. “In Warren we are bringing in one of the very best coaches in the international game,” continued Phillips. “We were sorry to see him go when he left and we are delighted that he has agreed to return. “We know him well and, most importantly, he knows us well too. We are extremely excited about this latest chapter for Wales-and-Warren-Gatland and I know the feeling is mutual. “He will undoubtedly be able to make an immediate impact, just as he did when he joined us for the first time in 2008. But it has also been important to both parties to ensure we get absolute maximum gain out of the return of such an experienced and highly regarded individual. “It is for this reason that we are particularly pleased to have been able to secure Warren’s services for the next few years with the ability to go to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This appointment is no quick fix, nor sticking plaster, it is part of our long term planning for the game in Wales. “We have been able to take swift action in difficult circumstances and that is testament to the good grace and professionalism of Wayne and the efficiency of our review process.” Native New Zealander Gatland, who took charge of two successful British & Irish Lions tours during his time with Wales, was also in charge for three Rugby World Cups, reaching the semi-final stages on two occasions (2011 and 2019) and took Wales to the top of World Rugby’s rankings – for the first time – by virtue of a record 14-match unbeaten run during his final season.
Well, well! Should be good to stop the rot at least. “He will undoubtedly be able to make an immediate impact..." - I'm not sure he'll have the same impact as 2008 but, hopefully, we'll no longer be the whipping boys. Going back to a side where you were (semi) successful previously rarely works out as well though. This will be interesting
Not sure if I’d have gone back myself, but I guess he is backing himself to succeed - the bar has been set low by Pivac, so merely getting out of the RWC Group would be viewed as ‘success’. Furthermore, he knows the players, and with most of the Squad hopefully available for the Six Nations, he probably thinks he can start to build a capable team/21 Williams Zammit North Tomkins / Hawkins Adams / Dyer Biggar / Anscombe Williams / Hardie Smith / Thomas Owens / Elias Francis / Lewis Beard / Carter AWJ / Rowlands Lydiate / Morgan Faletau / Moriarty Tips / Reffell
Well at least it stops England having Gatland as a stop gap. I will be surprised if Gatland stays though to 2027 though.
CEO Nick Garcia is leaving the Os! Garcia represented the Ospreys on the Professional Rugby Board and was a key part in negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union in a bid to thrash out a new long-term funding deal for the professional game in Wales. WalesOnline understands Garcia has been put on gardening leave having accepted a new role in Australia which isn't related to Y-11 Sports and Media, the company which holds a majority share in the Ospreys. Former chairman Rob Davies is undertaking a more active role in the business since Garcia's exit with Chris Lawlor representing the Ospreys on the PRB on an interim basis.
Wales v IrelandPrincipality Stadium, Cardiff Saturday, 4 February, 2023 Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU) Assistant Referee 1: Angus Gardner (RA) Assistant Referee 2: Luke Pearce (RFU) TMO: Tom Foley (RFU) Scotland v WalesBT Murrayfield, Edinburgh Saturday, 11 February, 2023 Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU) Assistant Referee 1: Frank Murphy (IRFU) Assistant Referee 2: Chris Busby (IRFU) TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU) Wales v EnglandPrincipality Stadium, Cardiff Saturday, 25 February, 2023 Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FFR) Assistant Referee 1: Andrew Brace (IRFU) Assistant Referee 2: Pierre Brousset (FFR) TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU) Italy v WalesStadio Olimpico, Rome Satuday, 11 March, 2023 Referee: Damon Murphy (RA) Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU) Assistant Referee 2: Chris Busby (IRFU) TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU) France v WalesStade de France, Paris Saturday, 18 March, 2023 Referee: Nic Berry (RA) Assistant Referee 1: Andrew Brace (IRFU) Assistant Referee 2: Christophe Ridley (FFR) TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU)
Well it dazzled the opposition Supposed to represent and include all the colours of the teams within the region